Dutch icon and ex-Newcastle United manager jumps to the defence of Eddie Howe and blames PSR rules for the club’s problems this season

Dutch football icon Ruud Gullit believes that Eddie Howe deserves more time in the managerial hot seat at St. James’ Park.

It’s been a season to forget for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s fifth season in charge of the north east giants hasn’t gone according to plan. The Mags were eliminated from the Champions League in the first knock-out round, taking a pasting from Barcelona in an aggregate loss of 8-3.

Domestically, the club’s Premier League form has been abysmal, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them finish below bitter rivals Sunderland – it’s all gone wrong for the Geordies this season.

Poor summer transfer window spelt trouble

You can pinpoint Newcastle’s shocking season back to the summer. Embroiled in a transfer saga with top striker Alexander Isak, who let’s face it, they were never going to keep hold of and should have sold as soon as the window opened, seriously destabilised the club.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa were signed at huge sums to replace the Swedish international who eventually got his mega transfer to Liverpool, but it’s fair to say neither signings could be seen as success stories. With Newcastle’s PSR problems, they simply can’t afford to make the kind of mistakes in the transfer window that saw them splurge Isak’s £125 million fee on two flops that are currently sat on the bench.

Eddie has been hamstrung with PSR problems and deserves another season, says Gullit

Ruud Gullit, who had a difficult spell managing The Mags where he famously fell out with club legend Alan Shearer, knows how the pressure can mount in the northeast, but he was quick to jump to the defence of Eddie Howe and praised his tenure at the club despite an underwhelming season. 

Speaking to MrRaffle.com, Gullit said: “Look, I think he’s done well. I think he also expected certain players to come in — they didn’t, because of PSR. Going up the mountain is easy. Staying on the mountain is the most difficult part. The expectations are bigger. And in order to stay competitive, you need to bring in players who push the existing ones to give 100%. That didn’t happen.”

Gullit also eluded to the fact that Newcastle will face another major exit this summer, with Bayern Munich reportedly close to landing Anthony Gordon in the summer.

“Now there’s a danger they lose Anthony Gordon in the summer because of it. You can’t blame Howe for that, though. I think he’s a great coach. He’s done very good things at that club,” Gullit said.

Whether or not Eddie Howe gets another season in charge remains to be seen.